A field of 74 nominees were submitted by NCAA D1 Mens Hockey Athletic Departments. Of the players named, 15 developed at either the Tier 3 or Tier 2 Junior Hockey levels.

The 15 nominated players developed at the Tier 3 or Tier 2 level at some point in their hockey careers, some going back to the 2010-11 season and one as recent as the 2016-17 season.

Only Matthew Weis, currently at Ohio State University, developed at both levels, playing with the Jersey Hitmen in 2010-11 at the Tier 3 level while they were part of the former EmJHL and at the Tier 2 level with the Corpus Christi IceRays for the 2011-12 season.

The Jersey Hitmen (Tier 3) are the only team with multiple alumni nominations from the teams days with three different Tier 3 leagues.

Michael Bitzer, who developed with the Alexandria Blizzard while they were a Tier 2 squad, was also a top 10 finalist in 2017.

​The qualities that a nominee must display: Exhibit strength and character, both on and off the ice; Contribute to the integrity of the team; Display outstanding skills in all phases of the game; Show scholastic achievement and sportsmanship.